The first time I came to Schaffhausen, it was during the lock down portion of the COVID pandemic. I was invited to visit by my friend, Kent, whom I’ve known since my high school days, some 32-ish years ago. He lives here and after reconnecting via social media, we met up with each other while he was back in the United States visiting his family in Pennsylvania. During our time getting reacquainted, he asked if I would like to spend Sylvester with him in Schaffhausen. I responded with a resounding “yes!”
After a lot of bureaucracy to obtain a laissez-passé to enter Switzerland, we were obligated to a two-week quarantine. We hunkered down and became very familiar with the COOP website, their online ordering, and delivery service. Once our 14-day quarantine was done, we headed out the door for fresh air and scenery! Kent first took me to Schloss Laufen and the Rhein Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. It was snowy and cold but incredibly beautiful. We took an easy train ride from the Schaffhausen Bahnhof right to the falls. It could not have been easier!
Then, we walked the Altstadt and window shopped. We stopped for Gluhwein on the main platz and ate freshly roasted chestnuts (a first for me!). We had a delicious multi-course dinner at Villa Sommerlust located right on the Rheinhaldenstrasse. What a decadent experience!
My first stay didn’t allow for much exploration because so much was shut down due to the pandemic. I couldn’t wait to see more of Switzerland, so I made plans to come back in the Spring! With the pandemic winding down, warmer temperatures and sunnier skies, we were able to do so many more things in the area. We walked up to the Munot, strolled the gardens,and took in the gorgeous city views. Kent took me on a river boat cruise from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein. There we had a leisurely afternoon stroll through the old town, admired the building facades, and enjoyed a coffee in one of the many quaint cafés in town. We walked along the river and interacted with several geese and cheered when we saw ducks running along the surface of the water. We explored the Museum Lindwurm and enjoyed the scenery as we took the boat back to the Schifflande dock. The Güterhof, at the boat launch, offers a wonderful drinks and meal menu. The scenery and people watching can’t be beat. It makes for a truly lovely day in the area.
We quickly realized that one of us was going to have to relocate if we wanted to develop our relationship. My two teenagers were anxious to leave Pennsylvania for more exotic experiences, so Kent and I decided to bring them to Schaffhausen for Christmas last year. They could not have loved it more! They looked in wonderment at the beauty that is Schaffhausen (city) at Christmastime. My son had his first Gluhwein. My daughter was dazzled by the lights,the decorations, and the buildings. We attended the Christmas Eve service at the Münsterkirche where they had a 60 foot tree that was lit with real candles. It was spectacular watching each candle come to life as the flame traveled the fuse line. It brought tears to everyone’s eyes. We went sightseeing in Paris, sledding in Arosa, and took the train all over the kanton just to explore. We enjoyed our Schaffhausen holiday experience so much that we decided this is where we wanted to be for the next chapter of our family story.
In July 2022, we came together as a new squad here in Schaffhausen and the experience has been amazing. For the first time in their lives, my kids are free to explore and discover new areas of town on their own. That’s not possible in the United States. We are immersed in a super friendly community that has welcomed us. The kids have made fast friends at the International School of Schaffhausen and are learning in ways that would not be possible anywhere in our town of Pennsylvania. I have been welcomed by various activity groups: a book club, the walk/talk/run group, various gatherings of people learning or improving their German language skills. There is no denying that Schaffhausen has a lot going on.
We love how convenient everything is here! As we live in the Altstadt, we can walk to most everything, and the buses and trains are just a quick couple of blocks away! We can go and see anything we want when we want! And not unlike being on the east coast of the United States, we are close to so many major European cities. A few hours by train or car and you can be in München, Stuttgart or Frankfurt Germany, Paris, Verona, Italy…the list just goes on and on. Schaffhausen is a wonderful place to have established a home base since it allows us to truly be citizens of the world.
Stacy is from the east coast of USA and has lived in Schaffhausen since August 2022 with her family.
